Chair Massage Training

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By eHow Contributing Writer

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Chair massage was first taught in massage schools in the 1980's. Originally it was only used on special populations, such as severely handicapped children. Later it became used as a technique to introduce new clients to the benefits of massage. Many massage therapists now use chair massage exclusively.

Considerations

Massage therapists are trained in many modalities and chair massage is one. Prior to learning any modality massage students study anatomy and physiology. They also are trained in understanding the effects of massage on the body. The outcome is not only stress relief. It also can loosen tight muscles, release knots, increase the circulation to the muscles, and stimulate nerves.

Function

Basically chair massage can be used to accomplish two different outcomes. The first is relaxation. Kneading the muscles helps to relax them. Tight bands of muscles can be manipulated to soften. Students are taught how to relieve stiff necks and backs while clients are in a seated position.

Features

The second potential outcome for chair massage is to stimulate the muscles. Techniques such as percussion and vibration excite the nerves. Muscle tone is increased with these techniques, making them more responsive and better prepared to perform. Massage moves as much blood through the muscles as exercise, adding nutrition to the muscle cells. Massage schools teach students the proper way to execute these techniques.

Benefits

Chair massage is frequently used at sporting events. Chair massage can be used as a treatment before the event to warm up the muscles and prepare the athlete's body for the strenuous activity to come. It is also used after the sporting event to cool down tired muscles and relieve the tightness. Students in massage school are taught to use the stimulating techniques to during pre-event massages and the relaxation techniques in post event massages. They also learn in which cases massage is not advisable.

Significance

Many massage therapists use chair massage to introduce the public to the concept of massage therapy. To prepare for this, students are instructed on how to discuss benefits with potential clients. Communication is an important skill for therapists to possess to discover the conditions clients need addressed. It also helps the client to become comfortable with the chair massage process.

Prevention/Solution

Most states require that anyone performing a professional massage have a medical license. Upon successfully completing massage school graduates must past the medical board exam required by their state. Once fully licensed then the massage therapist may begin to perform professional chair massage.